OWNERS REACT TO POSSIBLE NFL PLAYOFF CHANGE

In the wake of last week's report the NFL may consider a
change to its playoff format, writes Don Pierson of the CHICAGO
TRIBUNE. "Why would Fox forfeit a Dallas-San Francisco NFC title
game in order to benefit a possible Dallas-San Francisco Super
Bowl for ABC? The answer is obvious. So unless a radical change
in bidding for rights fees occurs, there is no chance of a change
in playoff format." TV considerations aside, "there appears to
be virtually no conviction among owners or Commissioner Paul
Tagliabue that any change is necessary." Bengals President Mike
Brown: "I'm for the traditional format." Giants Owner Wellington
Mara: "I'm happy with the current setup" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/5).
Bills Owner Ralph Wilson: "I've never heard of any such proposal,
and it has no chance. It will never happen" (Will McDonough,
BOSTON GLOBE, 2/5).